James Keith Bowers

James “Skip” Keith Bowers of Kankakee, Illinois, passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 93, after a brief illness. Born on September 9, 1932, in Clifton, Illinois, Skip lived a long and meaningful life rooted in love, service, and quiet strength. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Josephine Ponton Bowers, who passed on December 23, 2022. Skip and Jo were married on January 22, 1955, and shared nearly 68 beautiful years together. Their bond was strong and steady, and together they raised two children, James and Jeanette.

Skip was a man of quiet determination and unwavering dedication. Drafted into the U.S. Army, he proudly served two years as a cook in the 3rd Armored Division at Fort Knox, Kentucky, earning an honorable discharge with the rank of Corporal. He later devoted many years of his life as a groundskeeper and florist at the Kankakee State Hospital (now Shapiro Developmental Center), where he found purpose and peace in the natural world.

An entrepreneur at heart, Skip went on to own a landscaping business and partner in a pest control company. But more than just work, nature was his sanctuary—a place where he felt most at home. He loved sharing that connection with others, mentoring people like Roger and Andy Bowers, Dan Hanson, and Dave Ciaccio, who followed in his footsteps.

Even after retirement, Skip continued giving back. He founded the Bowers Foundation, a charitable effort through which he distributed clothing, food, and household goods to those in need. Helping others came naturally and left a lasting impact on everyone that knew him.

Though never one to seek the spotlight, Skip’s gentle strength and generosity made a deep impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. As a father, he led by example, showing what it meant to be kind, loyal, and endlessly giving. His legacy lives not only in his family, but in the lives he quietly uplifted along the way.

Skip’s interests added rich color to his life. He wrote poetry, and at the age of 75, fulfilled a dream by writing and recording a song titled "Autumn Gold," which was proudly played on local radio. A lifelong lover of books, he was a master of crossword puzzles and a curious soul who found joy in museums, music, and the theater—interests he shared with all his loved ones, leaving them with a lifetime of cherished memories.

Skip is survived by his brother Ronald Bowers (Dolores); his children James Kevin Bowers (Carol) and Jeanette Bowers Fritz (Mark); his grandchildren James Andrew Bowers (Cathy), Kristie Bowers DeLuca (Peter), Stephanie Bowers Mackin (Andrew), Bridgette Fritz Martin, and Benjamin Fritz; and his great-grandchildren Hailey “Alvi” Bowers, Kinsley Mackin, Briggs Mackin, Oliver Martin, and Ruth DeLuca.

He also leaves behind dear friends Abraham and Ruth Kurien, Dave and Sandy DeKoster, and many extended family members and friends who will forever miss his quiet wisdom and kind presence.

A joint memorial service to honor and celebrate the lives of James “Skip” and Josephine Bowers will be announced later. All who knew and loved them are welcome.

Skip’s family finds deep comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will live on—in the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the memories that will remain forever in our hearts.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign his online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, Michigan 616-754-5638.